Comment from Whitney Matheson:
Good afternoon, everyone! I've had a crazy day so far, so I'm more than ready to settle down for the next hour and answer some questions. Send 'em on.Arlington, VA:
Which over-promoted new FOX reality show seems more watchable: 'My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss' or 'The Rebel Billionaire?'

Whitney Matheson:
Ooh, that's tough. I'm gonna go with 'Billionaire.' Although I don't plan on watching either show, at least that one has some adventure to it. 'Boss' just has a mean, lying fat guy.Arlington, VA:
So who did you root for, Tucker or Jon? For some reason, both seemed to be overly smarmy and arrogant (more so than usual) during that 'debate.'

Whitney Matheson:
I was just trying to resist the urge to cover my eyes and ears. But of course I was rooting for Jon -- I watch 'The Daily Show' far more than I watch 'Crossfire.' (Although, believe it or not, I probably watch 'Hardball' more than 'The Daily Show.')Reading, PA:
Baseball tonight or Lost/West Wing? Also, have you watched Laguna Beach on MTV at all? Can't wait for next week's drama. Love high school drama.

Whitney Matheson:
I saw the premiere of 'Laguna Beach,' but it completely turned me off. I prefer the fictional wealthy brats on 'The O.C.' to the real-life ones on MTV.

As for tonight, I'll definitely see 'Lost,' but after that it may be baseball. My husband is sick today, so he gets to rule the TV!NYC:
Whit, seeing Death Cab for Cutie Friday night. Have you seen them? I like the album but that doesn't always mean a band will be any good live...

Whitney Matheson:
I have seen them (right after 'Transatlanticism' came out), and it was a fun, if mellow, show. You'll have a good time. The lead singer is pretty mesmerizing to watch. He makes some great faces!Frackville, PA:
Hey W... I've seen the new Jimmy Eat World album is getting bad reviews pretty much across the board. Have you heard it?

Whitney Matheson:
I've only heard the single, which didn't do much for my ears. Three discs I'm loving now:

1. Rilo Kiley, 'More Adventurous'
2. Tom Waits, 'Real Gone'
3. R.E.M., 'Around the Sun' (I know this has gotten mixed reviews, but the more I hear it, the more I like it.)

Interested in picking up the new one from The Delgados, but I'm not sure if that's the best disc they have or if I should buy something older. Anyone know?Arlington, VA:
Yankees or Red Sox?

Whitney Matheson:
You know I love an underdog ...Pittsburgh, PA:
What is it with reviewers like yourself... you heap praise on absurd films like Lost In Translation and Eternal Sunshine For The Spotless Mind (should be titled Mindless Movie For The Mindless Mind), yet will pile on great films like Mr. Hollands Opus and A Beautiful Mind!!! If it's Artzy-F_ _ _zy...you love it. If it makes good sense you hate it! Atleast the public at larger has the good sense and taste to pick the best.

Whitney Matheson:
Did I really say crappy things about 'A Beautiful Mind'? That wasn't such a bad movie. And I do believe I raved about a tiny flick called 'Spider-Man 2.'

I don't know what to tell you except I just recommend movies I like. And I do gravitate toward the independent fare rather than the predictable blockbusters. And you should give 'Eternal Sunshine' another chance!Chattanooga, TN:
Since you gave a shout out to Chattanooga last week for being the hometown of Dennis Haskins, I thought I would offer up two of our more famous hometown prodigies - Samuel L. Jackson and Usher. Also of note, Dennis Haskins has a great reputation for helping out the community but not such a great reputation on the bar scene.

Whitney Matheson:
I'm not going to dare ask you for details on that ... and if you had any, I wouldn't believe them! Principal Belding is a saint.Frackville, PA:
Hey Miss W... what my friends have really been enjoying lately is the mini-"Wings" marathons every Friday on TV Land. You remember, that small little NBC airport-in-Nantucket show that enjoyed a great spot after "Cheers" for all those years?

Whitney Matheson:
Barely! Loved the cast of that show, but never really got into the premise.

Speaking of 'Wings,' did you know lead actress Crystal Bernard is now a boot-scootin' country singer?Kent in Kentucky:
Hey Whit! Loved your list of confrontations...especially being reminded of the Madonna/Courtney love spat. Take it one step further, if these celebrities were to engage in a fist fight, who would win? I pick Courtney on that one, she looks like she'd fight dirty.

Whitney Matheson:
Martha Stewart could've taken Jane Clayson then -- and there's no question she'd win now. I believe Terry Gross could beat Gene Simmons ... and it might be a tie between Rosie and Tom Selleck!Ellicott City, MD:
So I was gonna post on how the new Camper Van Beethoven album rocks, and how cool they were at the in-store last week in Towson, MD, but I just read on their website that their gear got stolen in Montreal! How horrible! CVB's site, www.campervanbeethoven.com has more details...

Whitney Matheson:
Oh no! That's terrible news. Glad you like the album, though. I once had a moment with David Lowry on a hill in Knoxville, Tenn. ... he was wearing orange bell-bottoms and asking me about artists from Knoxville. Of course, at the time I was so tongue-tied, all I could spit out was "James Agee."Columbia, SC:
Being a new father I don't get to the movies as often as I used to. That being said I think I am one of the few that hasn't seen Shark Tale yet. Have you and am I missing much? What I am really waiting to see is The Incredibles. Thoughts on that one?

Whitney Matheson:
I haven't seen 'Shark Tale' because I've heard such negative things. I have seen 'Team America,' though. It's funny, but I suggest you wait for the DVD.

'The Incredibles,' on the other hand, is supposed to live up to its name. I love how Sarah Vowell is a voice in the film! (If you haven't read her books, go out and buy 'Take the Cannoli' on your lunch break.)Chattanooga, TN:
Have you been watching Lost or Desperate Housewives? So different, yet both so watchable! I've heard people are deciding which housewife they are most like. If you had to choose between the uber-Martha Stewart, the former businesswoman mom, the put-upon divorcee, or the bombshell, which would you be?

Whitney Matheson:
I prefer 'Lost,' but I'm watching them both. And I don't know what this says about me, but so far I relate to the dead housewife the most!Grand Haven, MI:
I like Jon Stewart (AND Tucker Carlson), but he sort of acted like a rabid dog on Crossfire. It was odd that he would agree to appear on the show, and complain about the anger between the hosts, and then behave with such hostility. It was sort of creepy.

Whitney Matheson:
But I thought it was refreshing to see something actually happen on that show. It's called 'Crossfire,' but it doesn't often grab my attention.

You know, I've heard that Tucker Carlson lives near Dave Grohl. Think they ever go to the same barbecues?toronto,ontario:
Hey Whit, quick poll around the office confirms my thoughts. Angelina is definately NOT the sexiest woman on the planet. Nice body, yes. But, strange is an understatement, and her looks are average at best. What are we missing ??

Whitney Matheson:
I'm not sure, since I think she IS one of the sexiest women on the planet. But my husband sort of agrees with you ... he says she looks too much like a blow-up doll for his taste. (Although maybe he's just saying that to make me feel better.)Charlotte, NC:
Hi, John Kerry is great with debates, but who'd you pick in this match: Kerry or Triumph The Insult Comic Dog ?

Whitney Matheson:
Kerry, if he can get Triumph away from comedian Robert Smigel. The dog is powerless without his handler.Arlington, VA:
Which new show will be canceled first? My money's on either life as we know it' or 'dr. vegas.'

Whitney Matheson:
The future does not look good for 'Life As We Know It.' I had high hopes, but I was disappointed. It's way too whiney! And the boys act more with their hair than with their heads.Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
Who is the nicest, most genuine celebrity you have ever met...and who are you cheering for in Game 7?

Whitney Matheson:
Well, then maybe we'll see her return to acting soon ...Washington, DC:
First, I have to thank you for all the great links to Bjork videos! I've fallen in love with her music again and seeing the videos just makes me wish all the cookie cutter pops starts would be more creative.
Second, if you haven't been before, I highly recommend that you go the the annual High Heel Race on 17th Street in Dupont. It's the Thursday or Tuesday evening before Halloween and there's nothing better than drag queens and others in costume parading up and down the street. Just show up early, the breeders take up all the good spots!

Whitney Matheson:
Thanks for the reminder ... I was there last year, but it was raining, so all I saw were umbrellas. Hopefully weather will be friendlier this year.Frackville, PA:
Hurry W... I've got that Jojo/Bow Wow song stuck in my head. Can I count on you to pull an Old Yeller and take me out of my misery?

Whitney Matheson:
All you have to do is buy the new Interpol disc (it's unbelievable) and play track No. 2. I haven't gotten it out of my head for two weeks.Dallas, TX:
I was just in Vancouver, BC for Tom Waits shows this past weekend. The audience was enthralled with him holding court. Have you ever seen him, will you see him on his rumored tour next year?

Whitney Matheson:
I'd love to see Tom -- never seen him before. Speaking of concerts, I just bought tickets to see the Magnetic Fields in December. There are actually more good shows scheduled for this winter than there were in the summer!Atlanta, GA:
Hi Whitney, I got to see the Pixies last week and they were FABULOUS! Have you seen them yet?

Whitney Matheson:
Not until December ... see what I mean about the great winter shows?Bloomington Illinois:
Dont really have a "pop culture" comment or anything..well except for a big GOOD FOR BRITNEY!! But I wanted to ask you...when you lived in Chicago did you ever get a chance to eat at Nookies on Halsted? That is my "must have" when in Chicago.

Whitney Matheson:
I ate there all the time. Try the southwestern chicken salad.camp hill, pa:
on the same vein as Milwaukee, who was the worst celeb you have met?

Whitney Matheson:
I may have told this story before, but I once interviewed Andrew Dice Clay over the phone as he ate a sandwich. (Although, aside from the table manners, he was pretty friendly.)Camp Hill, Pa:
Whitney! If you could bring back one show from the past (it doesn't matter if the actors have passed away, they could replace them with CGI versions) What show would it be and why?

Whitney Matheson:
'My So-Called Life.' I hate it when a series leaves so many loose ends! I'd like to see 'Twin Peaks' return, too.

Crap, I've gone overtime and I have a sick husband calling my name. See you next week -- and thanks for spending the last hour with me!